Abstract: An apparatus for surgical aspiration and monitoring of the aspirated fluids includes a sealable aspiration bottle supported by an electronic weighing scale on a base stand. The bottle includes tubing connectors joined to a negative gauge pressure source and to an aspirating surgical instrument. A pair of electrodes extend into the bottle and are connected to an electronic circuit which measures the impedance of the fluid/tissue aspirate in the bottle. A microprocessor receives the impedance and net weight data of the aspirate, determines the relative amounts and net weights of fluid and tissue in the aspirate, and displays this information on a visual display.

Abstract: A protective safety container for encasing toxic drug filled glass vials is disclosed. The container includes a molded plastic body that is shaped to conform to the shape of a vial to be protected. A plurality of spaced longitudinal ribs are formed on the inner surface of the container body that act to engage the vial and hold it firmly in position, and also form a cushioning air space between the vial and the container. A molded plastic annular base is adapted to be snap fitted into the body such that the vial cannot be easily removed once it is secured within the container. Disposed in the top of the container is a small aperture having a frangible disk disposed therein. The disk may be removed so that a hypodermic needle may be inserted into a stopper in the vial to withdraw the vial's contents. The aperture is too small, however, to permit removal of the stopper itself.

Abstract: A visual (as opposed to mechanical or electronic) method for detecting the state of dehydration (or hydration) of a biomedical hydrogel is disclosed. The method contemplates incorporating a pH sensitive indicator into the hydrogel as it is prepared and applying the hydrogel to the skin-contacting surface of a biomedical device such as an electrode. Shortly before the biomedical device is to be used, the color of the hydrogel on the device is visually compared with its freshly-prepared color to determine the approximate state of dehydration of the gel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for eliminating mistakes during plasmapheresis procedures in returning red blood cells to a correct donor. In the procedure, a portion of the return blood flow line is rendered inoperative by a lock device. A key, unique to the donor, is attached to the blood collection bag prior to the centrifuging operation which separates the blood into plasma and red blood cells. After the centrifuge operation, flow between the collection bag and the donor can only be established by utilizing the unique key in the correct lock box.

Abstract: A sterile testing and dispensing apparatus is adapted for insertion into a sterile aseptically packaged container to permit the contents of the container to be tested and then dispensed. The apparatus includes a dispensing tube and a pH indicator removably received in the dispensing tube. When inserting the dispensing tube into the container through an appropriate hole or weakened area therein, the pH indicator is automatically exposed to the contents of the container. The pH indicator can then be withdrawn from the dispensing tube and visually examined to determine the presence or absence or spoilage.

Abstract: An aspirator for withdrawal of secretions from wounds has an evacuated vessel wherein the subatmospheric pressure prior to admission of secretions into its interior is maintained at a level of between about 0.8 and 1 bar. The vessel carries indicia denoting (e.g., in percent or in milliliters) the known-in-advance maximum quantity if secretions which can be sucked into the vessel by way of a cannula as well as lesser quantities which accumulate in the vessel while the pressure rises above the predetermined level as a result of admission of secretions.

Abstract: A container (34) includes first and second chambers (40, 42) for the storage of two substances (44, 46) such as medical liquids. The chambers are separated by a chamber-communicating assembly (61) which is selectively opened by an operator for mixture of the two substances and delivery to a patient. A leak detection compartment (62) encloses the assembly (61) between the two chambers, including a periperhal channel (76) and ridges (80) on the assembly (61).When seal integrity between the container wall sheets (36, 38) and the assembly (61) is less than complete, the leak detection compartment both prevents liquid in one chamber from entering the other through the leak pathway and also assures detection of the leak during the manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A plurality of cuvettes joined together by breakable links between each cuvette for use in testing blood for its ABO classification and the presence of a typical antibodies, and for crossmatching blood for compatibility, together with label means for indicating the reagents used in each cuvette and the identity of the person whose blood is being tested. The cuvettes may be adapted to accept a closure means which permits the cuvettes to be pre-packaged with reagents required to carry out blood tests. The cuvettes have a hydrophilic polymer coating thereon that is non-destructive of red blood cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package protecting its contents from the influence of light, microbial contamination and gas transport in either direction but which makes possible a visual control of the contents before the package is used.According to the invention, the package is made of a light-proof outer bag (1) and a light permeable inner bag (3) arranged inside the outer bag. The outer bag (1) and the inner bag (3) are each sealed at one of their ends (2,4) and are bonded around their periphery (6) close to their other end, and the two bags extend over this bond and are then commonly joined and sealed. By opening one of the end seals in the outer bag (1), the inner bag (3) can be turned out of the outer bag, and the contents (5) of the package can be observed visually through the inner bag.The package of the invention is especially suitable for storage of preparations for parenteral administration and especially infusion solutions intended to be given intravenously.

Abstract: A container having a unique two chamber construction provides for the passive mixing of two supply solutions having different specific gravities into a single homogenous solution in a closed environment. The container includes means for a positive test that a single homogenous solution has been achieved. The container is especially useful for storing and mixing two supply solutions which when mixed form a single medical solution which itself is unsuitable for storage over extended time periods.